To Do List 2019

One of the best advice I ever received as a young pastor was the importance of 'to-do lists".    I received this advice in the early days of planting a new congregation.   Life was busy and I found it difficult to get all the tasks of ministry done.    Marty was an aspiring realtor, with a young family, and the housing market was booming.   He was well familiar with hectic schedules and busy days.   He suggested to me that at the end of every work day that I should do what he does, that is, take a few minutes and write down a 'to-do list" for the next work day.   Which I started to do.  So every day I simply showed up at my office, looked at my "to-do list", and one by one I would stroke off the tasks completed.   If some things were left undone I would put them on the top of the list for the following day.  And it made all the difference in getting a whole lot done each day.   Productivity increased.   This is something I still do, and I have the modern-day conveniences of both post-it notes (which I have used by the ream full) or 'to-do lists" linked to my laptop's daily calendar.

Another year has dawned.  Many people take to writing down new year's resolutions -- some goals for the coming year.   Always good to think about and even better to do something about!    To make some changes for the better -- changes in health initiatives both physically and spiritually, changes in relationships (mended, renewed, or begun), changes in personal direction, setting a new course in life (education, career, friendships, family), and more.  

Changes!   Transformation!    Perhaps you are a Christ-follower and you desire such change, to be transformed (Romans 12:2), and become more and more like Jesus (Ephesians 4:13).   Or you pastor a local church and you desire change in your congregation, some spiritual transformation among the people under your care.   The truth is, as Don Simpson clearly points out:

We must be active in the process of our salvation and transformation into Christlikeness. This is an inescapable fact of the gospel.   But the initiative in the process is always God's.   And here's the good news:   That initiative is not something we are waiting upon.  The ball in our court.  God has invaded human history and reality.   Jesus Christ has died on our behalf, has risen, and is now supervising events on earth toward an end that he will certainly bring to pass, to the glory of God.  The issue now concerns what we will do.   The idea that we can do nothing toward our transformation is an unfortunate confusion of our time, and those who sponsor it never practice it, thank goodness."  (pp. 70f, Revolution of Character, IVP:2006)

Yes, transformation in our personal lives, or the life of a congregation, or a community does not happen without us becoming active in the process.   The tennis analogy Don gives is a good one.   Imagine if Roger Federer simply stood on his side of the court and did not return the volleys of his opponents.   He has won 20 Grand Slam titles because he did something when the ball was in his court -- and with great precision.    So too if we want to see changes in our lives, in others, or in an organisation, we must do something!

Jesus put it this way:   "Now that you know these things, you will be blessed it you do them." (John 13:17).    Jesus had just demonstrated by his humble example what true Christian servanthood looks like in practice when he washed his disciples' feet on the night before his crucifixion.   His followers knew now what to do.   The blessing would come in their lives when they actually put these things into practice themselves.

What might be on your 'to-do list" into this new year 2019?   Personally?   Relationally?   For those in church leadership, what might the "to-do" list look like in your church?    What things do you need to work on in 2019?   Allow me to suggest to pastors and other church leaders three things you might add to your "to-do" list 2019.    First, if you don't have one already, find a coach to help sharpen the dull edges of your ministry skills and/or habits.   You might like to look at the Shift Coaching initiative being rolled out among CRCA churches in the current triennium.   There are questions to consider, resources to guide you, and assistance if you need it.   

Second, and related to the specific outcomes of the Shift Coaching initiative, you might want to think about investing yourself into the life of a next gen church leader, pastor, or ministry worker.  Or you know someone who is curious about the faith and needs someone like you to disciple them in the basics of Christianity.   Check out the Discipleship Matrix and you will discover a step-by-step guide in helping others discover Christ, commit to Christ, grow in Christ, and become a Christian leader.  

Finally consider doing a Church Health Survey this year (either your first or repeat).   This health check-up will assist your congregation to know where to set priorities for ongoing health and increased church effectiveness.   The size of your congregation doesn't matter.  What matters is your church's health.   To begin this process is only one click away.   Click here to order your health check up.

If you need any assistance in any of these items on your potential 'to-do" list 2019 there is help and coaching available.   All you need to do is ask.  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.   The ball is now in your court!   Write your "to-do list" 2019 and into the days ahead, track your progress by each item that is stroked off!   It might all begin with a trip to the local office supply store and picking up some Post-It notes.